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Generative AI, Ethics, and the Future of Urban Planning

Explore the ethical and equity implications of using generative AI in urban planning. This course addresses bias, transparency, public trust, emerging tools like digital twins, and offers practical guidance for responsible adoption.

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Course Info

  • Duration 7 video lessons (66 Mins)
  • Published Published
    2026
  • Trending Trending
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Browse Course Chapters

  • Chapter Locked
    1.
    Introduction and Key Themes
    Chapter Duration 5 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    2.
    Ethics of Generative AI in Urban Planning
    Chapter Duration 5 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    3.
    Trust, Risk, and Responsibility in AI for Planning
    Chapter Duration 14 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    4.
    Building an Ethical Culture of GenAI in Planning
    Chapter Duration 11 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    5.
    Planning Workflows with GenAI
    Chapter Duration 8 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    6.
    Getting Started and Moving Forward
    Chapter Duration 11 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    7.
    Summary and Wrap-Up
    Chapter Duration 9 mins

What You Will Learn

- Understand the ethical challenges associated with generative AI, including bias in training data, lack of transparency, and risks to equity in urban planning outcomes. 

- Learn strategies to promote transparency and build public trust when using generative AI in planning workflows and community-facing tools. 

- Explore how to develop responsible AI practices within planning organizations, including internal review protocols and community feedback loops. 

- Identify emerging AI-augmented tools, such as digital twins and interactive dashboards, and assess their potential for enhancing scenario planning and public engagement. 

- Gain practical guidance for getting started with generative AI, including tool recommendations, implementation tips, and a framework for integrating AI into ongoing planning projects responsibly.

Course Description

This course examines the ethical and equity implications of integrating generative AI into urban planning workflows. Topics include bias in training data, the importance of transparency and accountability, and strategies for building public trust in AI-assisted processes. It also looks ahead to emerging technologies such as digital twins and AI-powered dashboards, concluding the series with hands-on guidance for how planners can begin experimenting with generative AI responsibly in their own work.

Learn these skills

  • AI
  • Civic Engagement
  • Communications & Media
  • Equity
  • Ethics
  • Technology

AICP CM

AIA CES

This course is approved for 1 LU.

CIP

This course is eligible for self-reported CIP unstructured CPL units.

Meet Your Instructor

Tom Sanchez

Tom Sanchez

Tom Sanchez is a professor of Urban Planning specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Landscape Architecture.

Meet Instructor

Course Reviews

4.31
Carlos Maldonado

Carlos Maldonado

Extremely Satisfied
William White 1

William White 1

Extremely Satisfied
Sean Hoelscher 1

Sean Hoelscher 1

Extremely Satisfied
Sarah Cook Sarah Cook

Sarah Cook Sarah Cook

Extremely Satisfied
Very helpful and clear presentation

Course Reviews

45%
42%
11%
1%
0%
Carlos Maldonado

Carlos Maldonado

Extremely Satisfied
William White 1

William White 1

Extremely Satisfied
Sean Hoelscher 1

Sean Hoelscher 1

Extremely Satisfied
Sarah Cook Sarah Cook

Sarah Cook Sarah Cook

Extremely Satisfied
Very helpful and clear presentation
Gerald Newton

Gerald Newton

Extremely Satisfied
Ron Johnson

Ron Johnson

Satisfied
The content and quiz were rather intuitive.
Michelle Robbins 2

Michelle Robbins 2

Satisfied
Angela Reeder

Angela Reeder

Satisfied

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